US union in court to roll back tyre workers lock-out

North America’s largest union is taking legal action against the multinational tyre manufacturer Cooper Tire, after the company sacked around 5% of its entire workforce at a stroke, in a dispute over new contract terms.

More than 1,000 members of the United Steel Workers Union have been locked out by Cooper Tire at its largest factory in Findlay, Ohio since 28th of November, a day after the USW voted to reject a proposed 3-year pay offer.

Cooper – which also owns the Avon Tyres brand in the UK, specialising in motor racing and motor bike tyres – has hired a scab workforce to run the Findlay plant.

The company had demanded that workers ratify a new contract without the full details being agreed – despite fears that it could result in major wage cuts. Cooper insisted that its proposal would have to be implemented before necessary studies would be finalised.

The 1,050 Findlay workers are in their third week of 24-7 picketing, but have asked members of the public not to honk their horns as they drive past between 9 pm and 7 am, because it is disturbing the neighbors.

However, trade unionists here can send messages of support via Adam Lee at the USW: alee@usw.org